Category: CANA News

The Central Bank of The Bahamas (CBB) says that the domestic economy tempered pace of growth persisted during the month of November relative to the corresponding period in 2024, with key economic indicators converging closer to their medium-term potential.

In its Monthly Economic and Financial Developments (MEFD) November 2025, the CBB said that although tourism continued to register healthy growth, inflows remained tempered by subdued performance in the high-value-added stopover category, given constrained accommodation capacity and softer demand from the United States market. ‘However, healthy gains persisted in the cruise sector,’ the CBB said, noting that in labour market developments, the unemployment rate declined in the second quarter of 2025, compared with the first quarter, bolstered by a reduction in the number of unemployed persons.

It said with regard to prices, average consumer prices posted a marginal decline over the 12 months to July 2025, in contrast to upward movements over the same period last year, mainly reflective of a decrease in fuel and energy-related costs of goods and services.

The CBB said that monetary trends for November were marked by a buildup in banking sector liquidity, despite an expansion in domestic credit, which outpaced the accumulation in the deposit base.

However, external reserves decreased during the review month, reflective of net foreign currency outflows through the private and public sectors.

The CBB said tht initial data revealed that tourism output continued to grow during the review month, although at a more moderate pace, as the stopover segment still faced headwinds, such as accommodation capacity constraints and decreased demand from the US sourced market. Nonetheless, the cruise segment remained buoyant.

Official data from the Ministry of Tourism indicated that total arrivals grew by 18.4 per cent to 869,002 in October 2025, vis-à-vis the corresponding period in 2024. The outturn was largely attributed to a 20.8 per cent growth in sea passengers to 786,457. Conversely, air traffic declined by 0.9 per cent to 82,545.

On a year-to-date basis, total arrivals grew by 9.5 per cent to 10 million visitors through October. Contributing to this outcome, sea arrivals expanded by 11.6 per cent to 8.6 million. However, air arrivals reduced by 1.9 per cent to 1.4 million.

The most current data from the Nassau Airport Development Company Limited (NAD) showed that total departures-net of domestic passengers-were relatively unchanged at 113,763 in November, vis-à-vis the same period in 2024.

In particular, non-US international departures grew by 14.9 per cent to 21,533, relative to the comparative 2024 period.

However, US departures decreased by 2.9% to 92,230. On a year-to-date basis, total outbound traffic fell by 2.2 per cent to 1.5 million, owing largely to a 3.4 per cent decline in US departures to 1.2 million. In a slight offset, non-US international departures rose by 5.4 per cent to 0.2 million.

In the short-term vacation rental market, the CBB said that AirDNA data showed that in November, total room nights sold declined by 0.4 per cent to 48,288, compared with the prior year.

Correspondingly, the occupancy rates for both entire place and hotel comparable listings fell to 47 per cent and 47.4 per cent, respectively, from 49.2 per cent and 47.8 per cent in the prior year. Meanwhile, the average daily room rate (ADR) for entire place listings increased by 7.9 per cent to US$455.53, relative to the previous year.

However, the corresponding rate (ADR) for hotel comparable listings declined by 9.1 per cent to US$154.76, vis-à-vis the same period last year.

Based on quarterly data compiled by the Bahamas National Statistical Institute, labour market conditions improved in the second quarter of 2025, vis-à-vis the first quarter.

The unemployment rate decreased to 9.3 per cent in the review quarter, from 10.8 per cent in the previous quarter, although still was higher than the 8.7 per cent in the same period last year.

In particular, the number of employed persons rose to 218,620 in the review quarter, up from 214,725 in the preceding quarter and 213,210 in the comparable 2024 period. Meanwhile, the youth unemployment rate decreased by 0.6 percentage points to 20.3 per cent in comparison to the first quarter of 2025.

The average consumer prices-as measured by the All-Bahamas Retail Price Index-posted an incremental decline during the 12 months to July 2025, following a 1.5 per cent firming in the comparative 2024 period.

In particular, average costs reduced for housing, water, gas, electricity and other fuels by 1.6 per cent and for restaurant and hotels, by 0.1 per cent, following gains in the previous year.

A 26-year-old fisherman has been remanded into custody after he appeared in court charged with murdering three relatives, including his mother last week.

Police allege that Daniel Henry used a machete to kill his mother, Annette Lindo, a domestic helper and vendor; his brother, 32-year-old fisherman Lynval Henry; and his cousin, Ingrid Keisha Lindo, at their home at Frazersfield, Rocky Point, Clarendon on December 18.

No date has been given for his next court appearance.

Meanwhile, a 29-year-old man, who was wanted by the police for the alleged murder of his former partner and the wounding of her teen daughter, has surrendered to police.

Police said that Ricardo ‘Crow’ McCarthy turned himself in at the Lawrence Tavern Police Station, accompanied by a relative and was later transferred to the Constant Spring Police where he is being detained.

McCarthy, who was featured on the police’s Wanted Wednesdays campaign , was being sought in connection with the October 21 killing of Sashana Shaw and the wounding of her teenage daughter during a violent attack at their home.

Investigators say McCarthy had been on the run since the incident.

Shaw was buried on November 30 and the daughter, who sustained a chop wound to the head during the attack, has since been treated and released from hospital.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Sir Steadroy Benjamin, says he is encouraged by the response from the legal fraternity and the general public regarding the establishment of a Constitutional Review Commission to undertake a comprehensive review of the Antigua and Barbuda Constitution.

He said that former attorney general, Justin Simon, KC has agreed to serv as deputy chairman of the Commission that will make recommendations for the consideration of the Cabinet and the parliament. Sir Steadroy said letters of appointment have already been sent to the persons who have been identified as possible members and that they have all responded in the affirmative to the invitation to serve.

He said apart of Simon, others who have agreed include Richard Lewis, the parliamentary representative for St. John’s Rural West Constituency. Sir Steadroy said that Lewis’s acceptance ensures that the views of the opposition are well represented throughout the discussions.

The other members of the Commission who have agreed to serve are; Dr. Lenworth Johnson, Carlton Knight, Fitzmore Harris, a lawyer representing the diaspora community, Ralph Bowen and Beverly Benjamin from the Antiguans and Barbudans for Constitutional Reform and Education (ABCRE), which is based in the United States, Debra Burnett, and a representative from Barbuda with attorney in the Attorney General’s Chambers, Zachary Phillips.

Sir Steadroy said he wants a broad-based representation on the Commission with more appointments expected from non-government organizations to be announced shortly.

‘I am very happy with the response that we have been receiving and the public support for some of the areas of the constitution that we wish to review and to make recommendations for change.

‘Areas such as the Republican status and a possible recommendation for ministers of religion to be eligible to serve in elective politics have generated much positive reviews from the public thus far,’ he added.

The Attorney General said he is confident that when next the country holds a referendum on constitutional reform to include adopting the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as the final appellate court that with the support of both political parties, the measure should earn the support of the public.

Sir Steadroy praised ABCRE for the work that it has been doing over the last several years to educate Antiguans and Barbudans both at home and in the diaspora, about the need for Constitutional reform.

He said the work has made a significant difference regarding the public’s appetite for Constitutional reform

Parliament has already adopted the measure to change the Oath from swearing to the British Monarch to swearing to Antigua and Barbuda. The legislation was signed into law by the Governor General on December 18 and will be Gazetted by Wednesday December 24.

With the grandfather law in full effect, the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) has intensified its overseas recruitment drive aimed at attracting eligible footballers to their national teams.

The TTFA extended invitations to UK-based and UK-born footballers to join the Under-17 and Under-20 men’s national team residential training camps.

The players, who are currently attached to professional and semi-professional clubs in England, arrived in Trinidad on December 19 to train, live, and integrate with the local environment as part of the ongoing assessment process.

Those players who have arrived from the UK are Archie Lovatt (central midfielder, Southampton FC); Tate Ormonde (central midfielder/right back, Brighton and Hove Albion FC); Jashaun Christmas (central midfielder, Crystal Palace FC); Kayden Bancey (central midfielder, Reading FC); and Eden Ormonde (central midfielder, Welling United (Brighton FC pathway). The camps run until the end of December, with players remaining in Trinidad for the duration. These players along with a group from North America have already engaged in sessions with Under-17 head coach Randolph Boyce and Under-20 head coach Marvin Gordon.

They have joined home-based players and US-based players already in camp, all vying for selection to the final squads ahead of the 2025 Concacaf Under-17 and Under-20 Men’s Qualifiers, scheduled for February and March.

Head of overseas recruitment Brent Sancho, who has been leading similar recruitment initiatives across the region, including with Grenada, St Lucia, and St Kitts and Nevis, highlighted the importance of early engagement and cultural immersion.

‘This is about giving players a real opportunity to connect with TT, not just through football, but through living and training here.

‘We want them to understand the culture, the expectations, and what it truly means to represent the red, white and black. There is a strong pool of players overseas, and this is only the beginning,’ Sancho said.

Meanwhile, TTFA president Kieron Edwards underscored the strategic value of the initiative and the importance of continued collaboration with government and key stakeholders.

‘This overseas recruitment drive is not just about our youth teams – it is an investment in the entire football ecosystem of TT,’ Edwards said.

‘By identifying and integrating eligible players early, we are strengthening the pathway to our senior men’s national team and, by extension, creating long-term benefits for our women’s national teams as well.’

This latest wave of recruitment follows the recent passing of the grandparent law, which has expanded eligibility pathways for players with ancestral links to TT.

While some of the invited players were already eligible to obtain TT passports due to their age, the updated legislation has further strengthened the association’s ability to widen its talent pool globally.

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) is projecting growth in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) to be between three and four per cent this year.

NASSAU – The Central Bank of The Bahamas (CBB) says that the domestic economy tempered pace of growth persisted during the month of November relative to the corresponding period in 2024, with key economic indicators converging closer to their medium-term potential.

BRIDGETOWN – The Barbados-based regional politiccal analyst, Peter Wickham, Tuesday said he believes Prime Minister Mia Mottley will go ahead with her plans to call an early general election in the country even though the polls are not constitutionally due until 2027.

BASSETERRE – Police say they are investigating reports that women are being drugged at bars and social events and subsequently sexually assaulted.

In a statement, the police said that the Special Victims Unit is ‘actively’ investigating the matter and that law enforcement officials take ‘these reports seriously and are committed to identifying those responsible and ensuring that victims receive appropriate support and justice.

PARAMARIBO – The former head of the Directorate of National Security (DNV),Lieutenant Colonel Danielle Veira, faces a possible nine year prison sentence as the Military Court prepares to deliver its verdict next week in a case in which she is accused of, among other things, complicity in hostage-taking, trespassing, complicity in theft and robbery with violence, and unauthorized distribution of firearms passes.

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) is projecting growth in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) to be between three and four per cent this year.

The ECCU consists of eight island nations and territories, namely Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, all sharing the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC) as their common currency and managed by the ECCB. In his annual Christmas message, ECCB Governor, Timothy Antoine said that despite the heightened uncertainty with the global economy, ‘our hyper-open economies continue to demonstrate resilience’ and that growth in the ECCU is likely to be around 3.7 per cent in 2025, slightly higher than 2024.

‘We are grateful that our fair isles were spared a major hurricane during another very active hurricane season. Our thoughts, prayers and practical support continue for the people of Jamaica and other countries affected by Hurricane Melissa. Our EC dollar remains strong with a current backing approaching 99 per cent and our international reserves continue to grow,’ Antoine said.

He said inflation, largely imported, though still challenging, has slowed compared with the past three years.

Antoine said that this past year, the ECCB advanced its shared agenda for transformation and shared prosperity on multiple fronts.

He said the highlights in 2025 include the launch of the First Step Account in partnership with the ECCU Bankers’ Association, the launch of Regional Energy Infrastructure Investment Facility (REIIF) in partnership with the World Bank and the launch of the Retail Government Bond programme with the Grenada government.

‘As we set our sights on 2026, we are mindful of climate change and the everchanging geopolitical environment. In respect of economic prospects, we currently project growth in the ECCU between three and four per cent’.

He said that the ECCB will launch a new strategic plan focused on its ‘Big Push’ challenge framed as a simple question, ‘what will it take the double the size of our economies over the next decade? And personalized with the question: what will it take to double your net worth?

The Grenadian-born ECCB Governor said that the ECCB focus for next year will include financial stability, the establishment of the Office of Financial Conduct to better protect customers of financial institutions as well as the establishment of a regional regulator for the Citizenship By Investment Programmes (CBI).

In addition, Antoine is hoping for the expansion of the Retail Bond programme to help more savers become financial investors, Data Privacy and Protection, Data and AI Strategy and the modernisation of the payments and financial Inclusion.

Police say they are investigating reports that women are being drugged at bars and social events and subsequently sexually assaulted.

In a statement, the police said that the Special Victims Unit is ‘actively’ investigating the matter and that law enforcement officials take ‘these reports seriously and are committed to identifying those responsible and ensuring that victims receive appropriate support and justice.

‘Members of the public, particularly women, are urged to exercise heightened caution when attending social gatherings. Individuals should avoid accepting drinks from strangers, refrain from leaving drinks unattended, and consider watching drinks being prepared whenever possible.

‘It is advisable to attend events with trusted friends, remain together where practicable, and look out for one another throughout the event. Persons should also be cautious of individuals who insist on isolating them or pressuring them to consume additional alcohol or substances.’

The police statement is advising people if at any time they feel ‘unwell, disoriented, unusually intoxicated, or suspects their drink may have been tampered with, they should seek immediate assistance from trusted friends, event staff, or security personnel, and contact the Police without delay.

‘Where possible, do not leave alone, and avoid accepting transport from persons not known or trusted. Prompt medical attention should be sought, as this is important both for personal health and the preservation of evidence.’

The police said that while no one has yet been arrested as a result of the reports they are also encouraging ‘anyone who believes they may have been a victim or who has information that may assist ongoing investigations to report the matter immediately to the nearest police station’ a confidential hotline or directly to the Special Victims Unit.

‘All reports will be treated with sensitivity and confidentiality. Public cooperation remains vital in preventing these offences and ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of the community,’ the police added.

The Trinidad and Tobago government says it has extended the use of the existing coat of arms until January 2, 2031, despite the approval of a new national emblem earlier this year.

The Ministry of Homeland Security issued the legal notice for the extension. The order was made under section 5(2) of the National Emblems of Trinidad and Tobago (Regulation) (Amendment) Act, 2025, which allows the minister to prescribe a later date for the continued use of the national emblem.

The act, which came into force earlier this year, introduced a new coat of arms for Trinidad and Tobago. It originally allowed the previous one to be used until January 1, 2026, or until a later date set by ministerial order.

According to the legal notice, the Government determined that it was ‘expedient’ to permit the continued use of the current coat of arms beyond the original deadline.

In June, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo ordered the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago to halt printing of the new TT$100 polymer bill, which features the redesigned coat of arms. Tancoo cited no reason at the time for the move.

The new coat of arms was unanimously approved in the House of Representatives on January 13, showing the image of a gold steelpan and pansticks where Columbus’ ships were, with the then Keith Rowley government saying the change was part of the effort to remove ‘painful colonial vestiges of our past’.

The redesign itself has sparked widespread criticism. Citizens, historians, and artists have challenged both the symbolism and the process by which it was introduced. .’

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit Tuesday said that Dominicans with a valid United States visa will be able to travel to the North American country even though Washington had issued earlier this month a proclamation implementing partial restrictions on their entry from January 1 next year.

In a nationwide radio address, Skerrit said that he had received clarification from the United States regarding the announcement of the Presidential Proclamation made on December 16.

He said that at this time, the proclamation itself has not been formally withdrawn or suspended, ‘however, critical clarifications have been provided regarding its application and scope. ‘There is no specified suspension period at this stage. Discussions are ongoing, and the Government continues to engage US authorities with the objective of reversing all restrictions affecting Dominican nationals.’

Skerrit said that a first formal review will take place 90 days after January 1, next year and that ‘the measures will remain in effect until the identified areas of concern are determined to have been addressed’.

But he said Dominican nationals who already hold valid US visas can continue to travel after January 1 next year and that the government has received confirmation that Dominican nationals who hold valid US visas, including tourist, business, student and other categories, ‘may continue to travel to the United States and its territories as is customary, subject to standard US immigration laws and entry requirements.

‘This clarification reaffirms the continuity of lawful travel and provides reassurance to students, families, business travellers and others with existing visas. Importantly, no valid US visas are being revoked as a result of the proclamation,’ Skerrit said.

Last Tuesday, President Donald Trump in his latest executive order said that apart from Antigua and Barbuda, nationals from Dominica and Haiti would also be affected by the immigration policy.

Trump said some of these countries identified in an earlier proclamation, had offered Citizenship by Investment (CBI) without residency, which poses challenges for screening and vetting purposes.

Under the CBI programme, several Caribbean countries including Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica offer citizenship to foreign investors in return for making a substantial investment in the socio-economic development of these countries.

Trump said both Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica have ‘historically had CBI without residency’ and that the entry into the United States of nationals of these two countries as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, is hereby suspended.

He said consular officers shall reduce the validity for any other nonimmigrant visa issued to nationals of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica ‘to the extent permitted by law.

Trump said in its latest executive order justifying the action taken against the Caribbean countries that ‘as an example, a foreign national from a country that is subject to travel restrictions could purchase CBI from a second country that is not subject to travel restrictions, obtain a passport in the citizenship of that second country, and subsequently apply for a United States visa for travel to the United States, thus evading the travel restrictions on his or her first country.

‘ Additionally, United States law enforcement and the Department of State have found that, historically, CBI programmes have been susceptible to several risks. These risks include allowing an individual to conceal his or her identity and assets to circumvent travel restrictions or financial or banking restrictions,’ he said.

In his broadcast, Prime Minister Skerrit said that he wanted to provide an update on his government’s ongoing engagement with Washington on the issue and that from the outset, Roseau has treated this matter with ‘urgency, seriousness and respect for the sovereignty of the United States.

‘We fully recognise the right of every nation to protect its national security and public safety. Dominica shares those objectives, and our cooperation with the United States has always been guided by that shared commitment.’

He said that discussions have been held with US officials aimed at clarifying the scope and practical implications of the proclamation, determining how it would affect Dominican nationals as well as assessing whether reforms already implemented by Dominica satisfy the conditions referenced in the proclamation

‘In parallel, the Government formally wrote to the President of the United States seeking clarification and urgent dialogue, in keeping with the spirit of partnership outlined in the Proclamation itself.’

Skerrit, who sought to place the entire issue ‘in its proper context’ told the nation that over the past several years, particularly throughout 2024 and 2025, Dominica has worked closely with US authorities through multiple channels to address all concerns raised regarding the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme

He said on October 14, this year, Dominica became the first member of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to enact comprehensive legislative reforms to its CBI programme.

He said that these reforms included enhanced and enforceable residency requirements, stricter controls on name changes, strengthened due diligence and background checks, increased financial transparency as well as expanded powers to revoke citizenship and recall passports where necessary.

He said there was also the establishment of an independent regulatory authority and that ‘these measures reflect Dominica’s commitment to operating the programme at the highest international standards and in full alignment with US and international security expectations’.

Skerrit said that following the clarification received from Washington, Dominicans without US visas can continue to apply for visas after January 1 next year.

‘ Applications may continue to be submitted. However, while applications can be made, new visas cannot be issued while the restriction remains in place for those affected by the Proclamation.’

He said that the government ‘at this time’ has not been advised of ‘any new or additional visa application requirements specific to Dominican nationals beyond existing US immigration processes and that ‘should this change, the public will be informed promptly’.

He said in summary that the restriction announced earlier this month ‘applies to Dominican citizens who do not hold valid US visas’ and ‘does not affect Dominican nationals who already possess valid visas (and) does not revoke existing visas.

‘Dominica values its strong and long-standing relationship with the United States, including close cooperation in maritime security, law enforcement and regional stability. We remain fully committed to cooperation, transparency and shared security objectives.

‘The Government will continue its engagement with the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown and the State Department in Washington with the goal of resolving this matter constructively and reversing all restrictions affecting Dominican nationals.’

Skerrit said that he wanted to assure the public that the government is acting ‘decisively, responsibly and in the best interest of Dominican citizens.

‘We will continue to provide accurate, timely updates as discussions progress. Dominica remains open to dialogue at all levels and is confident that continued engagement will lead to a resolution consistent with mutual respect and the strength of our bilateral relationship, ‘ he said in the broadcast.

The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) says one person is assisting their investigations after mercury, valued at GUY$18 million I(One Guyana dollar=US$0.004 cents) had been smuggled into the country from neighbouring Suriname.

CANU said that the mercury was intercepted on Sunday at Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice. CANU said that Guyana is working to eliminate the use of mercury, which is highly toxic, from the processing of gold because it gets into the food chain through air, water, marine species such as fish, and the soil.

It said that the seized product was found in a car shortly after it was intercepted.

‘A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of several parcels of a highly toxic and strictly controlled substance, which was later confirmed to be mercury,’ CANU said in a statement.

It said that the suspect had been detained and that a preliminary evaluation revealed that the seized substance has an estimated street value of GUY$18 million.

It said the substance was then handed over to the Ministry of Natural Resources for ‘specialised processing and disposal’.